Media

Commission Redraws the Federal Electoral Map
of Alberta

Calgary, Thursday, July 5, 2012 — The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Alberta has proposed a new electoral map for consideration at public hearings this fall. Alberta will gain six electoral districts as a result of the increase in its population from 2,974,807 in 2001 to 3,645,257, as captured in the 2011 census.

The Commission's proposal ensures that all residents of Alberta can be effectively represented with this new configuration. The Commission proposes one new electoral district in northern Alberta, two new electoral districts in and around the City of Edmonton, two new electoral districts within the City of Calgary and one new electoral district in southern Alberta.

"Population shifts and the creation of six new electoral districts have resulted in a new electoral district landscape for Alberta. As one electoral boundary was drawn, an adjacent electoral district was inevitably impacted. In the result, all electoral districts in Alberta have been altered – some more substantially than others," said the Honourable Carole Conrad, chair of the three-member commission. Mr. Ed Eggerer and Ms. Donna Wilson are the other members of the commission responsible for readjusting the province's federal electoral boundaries.

Under the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, the commission's main aim in redrawing boundaries is to divide the province into electoral districts as close to the average population as reasonably possible. The population of a district should remain within 25% of the average once consideration is given to communities of interest or identity, and historical and geographic factors. A commission can depart from the 25% guideline in circumstances it considers extraordinary.

Public hearings

Residents of Alberta are invited to share their views on the proposed federal electoral map at public hearings: